California Highway Patrol Hero Helps Brighten Holiday Season for Charity Serving Homeless

-- Chrysler Group donates all-new 2006 Jeep Commander to Sacramento Loaves and Fishes on behalf of officer named Jeep Hero in nationwide program

-- Charity also receives $10,000 from DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 20 -- Sacramento Loaves and Fishes, an organization that feeds, transports and shelters the homeless, received an all-new 2006 Jeep Commander today from Chrysler Group. The donation was made on behalf of California Highway Patrol Officer J.C. Dodd, a search and rescue helicopter pilot, who was recently named a grand prize winner in the Jeep Heroes Nomination Program. The program recognizes military, police, fire and emergency medical services personnel who deliver exemplary and heroic service to their communities.

In a special ceremony at Loaves and Fishes, Officer Dodd was honored by state and local dignitaries and special guests, including state Senator Dave Cox. Tim Brown, Loaves and Fishes executive director, was presented with the keys to the new Jeep Commander and a $10,000 check from the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund, which the organization will use to help meet the needs of Sacramento's homeless community this holiday season.

"Loaves and Fishes is pleased to be the benefactor of Officer Dodd's generosity," said Brown. "It is just one more example of why J.C. was chosen for such an honor and why he deserves the title 'hero.'"

With the Jeep Heroes Nomination Program, the Jeep brand's goal was to recognize the important service military, police, fire and emergency medical personnel perform everyday and to reward the Grand Prize Winners -- the best people to represent America's best -- with a rugged Jeep vehicle that will give them the same sense of security and reliability they give Americans. More than 2,500 nominations were submitted nationwide by friends, colleagues and loved ones. One winner was chosen from each of four categories.

Officer Dodd's wife Jacqueline, who nominated her husband, also had Chrysler Group donate her $500 cash prize to Loaves and Fishes.

For more information on Sacramento Loaves and Fishes, visit http://www.sacramentoloavesandfishes.org/ .

For more information on Jeep Heroes, visit http://www.jeep.com/Heroes .

Web sites: http://www.SacramentoLoavesAndFishes.org
http://www.Jeep.com/Heroes